Der Unfallchirurg
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A multidisciplinary quality management system (QMS) for the early treatment of severely injured patients was validated in a trauma center in Germany. In the presented prospective study a QMS developed at another trauma center was implemented at the department of trauma surgery of the University of Essen for the presented study. The essential elements of the QMS were the establishment of (1) an adequate protocol for documentation, (2) 20 criteria for the assessment of treatment quality, (3) regular statistical analysis of treatment quality and (4) a quality circle comprising all medical specialties for data discussion. ⋯ Apart from the significant time reductions other improvements were found. Overall mortality was diminished from 17% in the first to 10% in the last observation period. In conclusion the study revealed that the quality of the early therapy of severely injured patients was significantly improved by implementation of a multidisciplinary quality management system especially with respect to treatment efficiency.
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The change of treatment modality in osteosynthesis is based on two principles. On one hand, one can exchange the implant as part of a two step procedure to reduce side effects of stabilizing fractures. On the other hand, a reosteosynthesis may be required for treatment of complications. ⋯ External fixator devices have been used for stabilization of long bone fractures with severe soft tissue damage using the two step procedure in the past decades; nowadays unreamed nailing is commonly preferred. Reosteosynthesis may be appropriate for the treatment of failing of osteosynthesis; they can also be used due to delayed union or nonunion of fractures, osseous deficiency or infection. In the case of failing osteosynthesis, the reasons for failing have to be studied thoroughly and a variety of subsequent procedures has to be taken into consideration for successful treatment.